Opera fans will soon have the opportunity to watch Aida being performed at the Pjazza Teatru Rjal. We met up with the Dutch director of the company Opera Spanga during the technical rehearsals for the production which forms part of the cultural programme for V18.

During its most glorious period before the Second World War, the Royal Opera House in Valletta used to host some of the most majestic operas ever written. In the 21st century, Pjazza Teatru Rjal will once again bring Maltese audiences the opera production Aida by composer Giuseppe Verdi. The opera made its debut in Cairo in 1871 and is one of the most performed operas in the world.

The Dutch production includes a cast of professional singers as well as musicians from the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

The artistic director of the company, Corina van Erik, said that this collaborative production will lead to a contemporary interpretation of Aida while still respecting Verdi’s musical authenticity. She described the opera as a classic production which appeals to all eras.

”The music is really beautiful… the Malta Philharmonic Music Orchestra plays it beautifully conducted by our conductor, Tjalling Wijnstra, the singers are really great and if you want to see what Aida is about… what it’s really about, you should come and see this show.”

Preparations for the opera, which began in Leeuwarden, in the Netherlands during July and August of this year, have been ongoing since 2015, and included the participation of Dutch and Maltese students who have worked with professionals from Opera Spanga to assist in set design, costumes and accessories. The celebrated fashion designers, Charles and Ron have even created original costumes which will be used specifically for this production.

Aida, which forms part of the V2018 programme of activities, will be performed between 13 – 15 September.